Why is Tabotap at Bulguk Temple considered an unusual pagoda?

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Pagoda of Jeongrimsa Temple in Buyeo, South Korea — Korean architecture Five-story stone pagoda of Jeongrimsa Temple, first half of the 7th century, Baekje period; in Buyeo, South Korea. Height 8.33 meters (27.3 feet).

At the Pulguk Temple, the Tabotap pagoda is considered unusual because it departs from the typical square, three-story Silla style seen in its counterpart, the Sŏkkat’ap pagoda.1

Rather than following the standard architectural form, Tabotap is an elaborate stone structure that serves as an enlarged version of a sharira shrine. Its unique design features include:1

Complex Structure: The main shrine is octagonal and rests on a square slab supported by four pillars with massive brackets.1
Elaborate Base: It stands on an elevated platform accessible by four staircases, which were originally adorned with stone lions.1
Symbolism: It represents the Prabhutaratna Buddha (the Buddha of the Past). Its presence alongside the Sŏkkat’ap pagoda—which represents the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni—symbolizes the Buddhist legend where the pagoda of Prabhutaratna emerged from the earth to witness the truth of Shakyamuni’s preaching.1

This specific arrangement, representing two distinct Buddha images through two different pagoda forms, is unique to Korean Buddhism.1