This study aims to empirically analyze the operational characteristics and functional performance of general education institutes in Korean universities and to suggest directions for their future development. General education institutes are responsible for curriculum development, teaching and learning support, academic research, and performance management in accordance with university regulations. However, systematic studies on their actual operations remain limited. To address this gap, an online survey was conducted in July 2025 with directors of general education institutes at 38 universities nationwide, and responses from 12 institutes were analyzed. The analysis revealed that while most institutes had secured dedicated spaces, they still lacked sufficient personnel and financial resources. Their activities were active in hosting academic events and developing and managing curricula, but relatively weak in non-curricular programs, policy consultation, and faculty training. Over the past three years, the expansion of AI and literacy education and increased academic engagement indicated gradual diversification of roles. Notably, the method of appointing directors was not directly related to performance outcomes, which were more strongly influenced by governance structures and institutional support. These findings suggest that general education institutes should evolve from implementation units into strategic hubs for educational innovation, quality assurance, and policy consultation within universities. To this end, the study proposes institutionalization of authority, securing stable financial resources and diversifying portfolios, restructuring functional domains, and expanding inter-institute networks as key tasks. Limitations include the small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should employ large-scale surveys and mixed-method approaches to validate and refine models for the management of general education institutes.