Why did Tap'o buildings look more decorative than Chusimp'o buildings?
The tapâo style (multibracket) buildings appear more decorative than those in the chusimpâo style primarily because of their structural design.12
While the chusimpâo style features bracket complexes placed only on top of columns, the tapâo style incorporates intercolumnar bracketsâbrackets positioned in the spaces between the columns. These additional brackets fill the otherwise empty areas between the columns, creating a more ornate and visually dense appearance.123
Furthermore, tapâo buildings often feature coffered ceilings that conceal structural elements like girder beams and eaves purlins, whereas chusimpâo buildings leave these components exposed. By the 17th century, the tapâo style had largely replaced the traditional chusimpâo style as the prevailing architectural method in Korea.13