Cook house-sat in region he explored (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

south sea

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'region he explored' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'cook house-sat' is the wordplay.
'cook' indicates an anagram.
'house'+'sat'='housesat'
'housesat' anagrammed gives 'SOUTH SEA'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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