The Korean term tap originated from the transliteration of the Sanskrit words stupa or tupa, meaning ‘tomb.’ It is believed that after the Buddha's Parinirvana, the remains of his body, known as sariras, were divided to create eight stupas, which are now collectively referred to as the First Eight Stupas. A stupa occupied the center of a temple until it gave its place of honor to the statues of the Buddha. However, even after the advent of Buddha images, stupas, or pagodas, have survived to this day as central objects of worship. In Korea, pagodas have been constructed from various materials, including stone, wood, and brick.  

Wooden pagoda: 

Palsangjeon Wooden Pagoda of Beopjusa Temple, Boeun (Joseon Period, reconstructed in 1605, National Treasure No. 55, Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do, 22.7m high) 

Stone pagodas: 

Stone Pagoda at Mireuksa Temple Site, Iksan (Baekjae Period, 639, National Treasure No. 11, Baekje Historic Areas, UNESCO World Heritage Site, 14.2m high)

East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Gameunsa Temple Site, Gyeongj (Silla Period, 682, National Treasure No. 112, Wolseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 13.4m high)

Brick pagodas: 

Stone Brick Pagoda of Bunhwangsa Temple, Gyeongju (Silla Period, 634, National Treasure No. 30, Gyeongju, 9.4m high)

Seven-story Brick Pagoda at Beopheungsa Temple Site, Andong (United Silla Kingdom Period, 8th century, National Treasure No. 16, Andong, 6.8m high)